Visitors who want to escape from city life when they visit the coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province often go to Ninh Van Bay on Hon Heo Peninsula.
Ninh Van Bay is remote and untouched, yet easily accessible by boat from Nha Trang in about 20 minutes. Its known for its fabulous coral reefs, white sand beach and impressive mountain backdrop.
The natural setting is not disrupted by any large resort structures. Only a few small bungalows covered by leafy roofs are observable from the bay. The sea, mountains, streams and forest all combine to create picturesque landscape. From a distance, Hon Heo Mountain looks like a dragon lying in a pine forest, with its head directed out towards the ocean. The facilities strive to protect the environment, with tree branches salvaged to cover structures, and organic rubbish composted for trees. Electric cars and bicycles are the primary transportation on the peninsula.
Visitors can enjoy the setting by trekking in the forests and up the mountain, with vendors along the way serving drinks and snacks. Jungle fowl, squirrels, dormouse, monkeys and other wildlife are abundant.
Ninh Van Bay not only offers the perfect location for relaxation, but its proximity to the popular destination of Nha Trang and its prime position in a calm and sheltered bay means that visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities and excursions, including windsurfing, hobiecat sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, waterskiing, fishing trips and boat charters, as well as scuba diving lessons.
Sheltered from winds, Ninh Van Bay area is usually calm from March to October. The rainy season sets in in November and December, when diving is not always possible. Most local diving takes place on the coral reefs, so the majority of dives are between 12-16m in depth.
Just a short boat ride from the resort, the surrounding islands and coral reef offer the chance to explore different and interesting sites. An inviting water temperature averaging 26-30oC throughout the year adds to the pleasure of diving in the bay.
After a relaxing day, tourists can visit Ninh Hoa District's centre to enjoy nem chua (fermented pork roll), the speciality of the region. It's grilled, served with vegetables and pineapple, wrapped in rice paper and eaten with sauce.
(Source: Vietnamnews)
